a 


SERMON, 


PREACHED IN TRINITY CHURCH, NEW-YORK, 


AT THE 


OPENING OF THE 


Convention of the Protestant Lpiscopal Church 


IN THE STATE OF NEW-YORK. 


ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1830. 


BY BENJAMIN DORR, A.M. 


RECTOR OF TRINITY CHURCH, UTICA. 


PUBLISHED BY THE CONVENTION. 


NEW-YORK : 


PRINTED AT THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL PRESS. 


MDCCCXXX. 


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IN CONVENTION OF THE DIOCESE OF NEW-YORK, 
October 7, 1830. 


“Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be presented to 
the Rev. Benjamin Dorr, for his sermon preactied this day ; and 
that he be requested to furnish a copy for publication.” 


A true extract from the minutes. 


Attest : 
BENJAMIN T. ONDERDONK, Secretary. 


Digitized by the Internet Archive 
In 2022 with funding from 
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 


https://archive.org/details/sermonpreachedinOOdorr 


A SERMON 


PREACHED BEFORE THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CONVENTION 
OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK. < 


Psatm cxxii. 8, 9. 


“ For my Brethren and Companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be 
within thee. 


“ Because of the house of the Lonp our Gop I will seek thy good.” 

Tue solicitude of David for the welfare and 
prosperity of his beloved Zion is often beautifully 
expressed in his inspired Psalms; but no where 
has he uttered his feelings of love and veneration 
for the Church of his fathers, and his fervent 
wishes for her happiness, in language so inimita- 
bly pathetic, as in the Hymn before us. “I was 
glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the 
house of the Lorp. Our feet shall stand within 
thy gates, O Jerusalem. Pray for the peace of 
Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee. 
Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within 
thy palaces. For my brethren and companions’ 
sakes, I will now say, peace be within thee. Be- 
cause of the house of the Lorp our Gop I will 
seek thy good.” # 


6 

Sentiments and feelings such as these, no doubt, 
animate all our breasts, on the interesting—and 
now, alas! most mournful—occasion, which has 
brought us together at this time. Whose heart does 
not respond the fervent ejaculations of the son of 
Jesse ?—“ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem ; Peace 
be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy 
palaces. Because of the house of the Lorp our 
Gop I will seek thy good.” 


Assembled once more, through the undeserved 
mercies of Gop’s protecting providence, to delibe- 
rate on the affairs of this large and flourishing 
Diocese, with feelings chastened and sobered by 
the many afllictive bereavements which this 
Church has sustained, and more especially by 
that late solemn dispensation which has deprived 
us of ham, who has so long presided in our coun- 
cils, and to whom we always looked as our father 
and our friend, we shall enter, I doubt not, on the 


duties before us, “as those who must give an 
account.” . 


Our chief care will be, “ that all things be so 
ordered and settledby our endeavours,” that 
peace, happiness, and prosperity may continue to 
prevail throughout our borders; that our spirit- 
ual Jerusalem may be “a city at unity m itself,” 


7 


and every where may be written, in bright and 
golden characters, upon her walls satvarton, and 
upon her gates PRAISE. 


This is the great subject which is now to 
occupy our thoughts and to direct our delibera- 
tions; and you will grant me your indulgence 
while I endeavour to set before you some of 
those methods by which the prosperity of our 
much-loved Zion may be best promoted. I am 
not so presumptuous as to think to instruct those 
from whom I ought to receive instruction; but 
in fulfilling my appointment to address you, I may 
be permitted to “stir up your pure minds by way 
of remembrance,” and exhibit to you duties of 
the first importance, although fully sensible that 
you “already know these things, and are per- 
suaded of them.” 


You will all adopt the language of the text, 
and say, “ Because of the house of the Lorp our 
Gop”—the Church which he hath purchased with 
his own blood—the Church founded on the apos- 
tles and prophets, Jesus Curtst himself being the 
chief corner stone—the Church in which souls 
are to be nourished up to immortal felicity and 
glory—we “ will seek her good.” 


8 
Her good is to be sought—her prosperity te 
be promoted— 


By the zeal and fidelity of her Ministers. 


By an active interest in all her great Benevo- 
Jent Institutions. 


By a firm adherence to her distinctive prin- 
ciples; and 


By unity and harmony among all her members. 


I. The prosperity of the Church is to be pro- 
moted, in the first place, by the zeal and fidelity of 
her Ministers, in all their official duties; but time 
will not permit me to enlarge on these, and | 
would only notice, particularly, that single branch 
of duty, which demands great faithfulness and 
zeal in the Minister of Curist, his public preach- 
ing. Undoubtedly he is to enforce with diligence, 
and in private, from house to house, the saving 
truths of religion. His whole life must correspond 
with his holy profession; and he must be a bright 
example to others of the power of godliness—of 
the transforming effects of the Gospel on the hu- 
man heart—or his preaching will be in vain. 
These things supposed, what will be the sum and 


9 


substance of his public instructions? They are 
comprehended in few words :— Jesus Curist 
and him crucified.’ Follow this text ont in all 
its consequences and bearings, and you have the 
great and leading truths of the Gospel—all that 
Paul determined to know—all that any Christian 
Minister ever need know or teach. The know- 
ledge of Curis crucified implies a knowledge of 
the divinity of his person—the greatness of his 
humiliation and sufferings—the merits and effica- 
cy of his atonement—the excellency of his exam- 
ple, and the necessity of making it the subject of 
our imitation. 


All these essential truths the faithful minister 
will fearlessly proclaim to a lost and ruined world. 
He will not shun to declare unto his hearers the 
whole counsel of Gop—remembering always, that 
at Gop’s tribunal he is to give an account of his 
stewardship. While he lays open the corruptions 
of the human heart, and exposes that moral 
leprosy which sin has spread over the soul, and 
with which every child of Adam is infected, he 
will point to the fountain of Curist’s blood, which 
Divine Mercy has opened, and invite every sinner 
to wash and be clean. He will show the abso- 
lute, indispensable necessity of a change of heart 
—of our being born again, not of water only, but 

2 


— 


10 

of the Ho.y Gauosrt, in order to the attainment of 
that holiness without which no man shall see the 
Lorp. Bearing ever in mind that the great ob- 
ject of preaching is the salvation of souls; im- 
pressed with a sense of their priceless value, and 
of the fearful responsibilities which rest upon him, 
he will labour with untiring zeal and unshaken 
fidelity to arouse sinners to a sense of their dan- 
ger—to persuade them to flee for refuge to the 
cross of Curist, that they may escape the wrath 
to come, and lay hold of eternal life. It is in this 
way, and this alone, that we can hope to be the 
humble instruments, under Gop, of daily “ adding 
unto the Church such as shall be saved.” 


The present age, although much of the wild- 
ness of fanaticism prevails, is distinguished for the 
faithful and earnest manner in which the pure 
word of Gop is preached, and we believe by none 
more faithfully and earnestly than the ministers 
- of our own Church, Mankind will not now be 
contented with dull moral essays—the essays of 
mere human wisdom—where they have a right to 
expect the evangelical truths of the everlasting 
Gospel. Dry dissertations on abstruse subjects 
will not satisfy those who are hungering after the 
bread of life, and would fain quench their thirst 
at the fountain of lung waters. 


La 

The morality of the Gospel is to be set forth 
with such sanctions as Carist himself and his 
apostles taught it; and a sound faith is ever to 
be held up as inseparable from a holy life. Re- 
presenting faith in the Redeemer as the condition 
of salvation, and always insisting that “we are 
accounted righteous before Gop, only for the me- 
rits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Curist, by 
faith ; and not for our own works or deservings ;”’* 
we are at the same time to keep in mind the 
apostle’s precept, “that they which have believ- 
ed in Gop, might be careful to maintain good 
works.” 


When such is the character of our preaching, 
enforced by blameless lives and a good conversa- 
tion in Curist, the Church must grow and flou- 
rish—the adversaries who falsely accuse her will 
be ashamed—the attachment of her friends will 
be strengthened—true godliness will be promoted; 
for we shall realize, in our own case, that cheer- 
ing promise of JEnovan himself :—‘T will give you 
Pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed 
you with knowledge and understanding.” 


Il. The prosperity of the Church is also to be 


* Article XT, 


2 


promoted by an active interest in all her great 
benevolent institutions. 


Never, in any age, have there been such efforts 
made as are now making for evangelizing the 
world. The duty of churchmen is so to apply 
their combined exertions as to raise the Church 
to an elevation which she has never yet attained, 
and where she shall indeed appear as a city set 
on an hill that cannot be hid ; when her sons and 
her daughters shall delight to “ walk about Zion, 
and go round about her; to tell the towers there- 
of; to mark well her bulwarks; to consider her 
palaces ; that they may tell it to the generation 
following.” 


1. Of all the benevolent institutions which are 
the distinguishing glory of the present age, we 
would assign the first place to Sunday Schools — 
They have peculiar claims, on many accounts, to 
the encouragement and support of churchmen— 
and chiefly because they are so excellently calcu- 
lated to afford that instruction to the young in the 
doctrines, the ministry, and the worship of the 
Church, which we deem so important. 


Sunday School instruction is not now an experi- 
ment—it has been fairly tested, and the result has 


13 


been more gratifymg than the most zealous friends 
of the measure could have foreseen. After a trial 
of so many years, and when its incalculable ad- 
vantages have been again and again so fully de- 
monstrated, shall there be found within our diocese 
a single parish, however poor or small, without its 
Sunday School? Let them generally prevail— 
and, blessed be Gop, they are daily and rapidly 
multiplying—and we shall soon realize that bright 
and beautiful scene, which the Evangelical Pro- 
phet has predicted as among the glories of the 
Church in these latter days, when “all thy children 
shall be taught of the Lorp; and great shall be the 
peace of thy children.” 


2. Next in importance to Sunday Schools, as a 
means of promoting the prosperity of the Church, 
IT would rank Missions. 


I am not now to discuss the relative claims 
which Domestic and Foreign missions may have 
upon our support. On this great point, although 
my own preference would be for the former, there 
may be an honest difference of opinion ; but all 
who view the subject in its proper light will agree 
that the missionary spirit must exist, or the inte- 
rests of religion will languish and die. Whether 
we are to confine our operations at home, until the 


14 

wants of our own household are fully supplied, or 
whether we may not give of our abundance to 
some of the famishing heathen of distant lands, 
each individual must judge for himself. But there 
must be an anxious desire to extend the Redeem- 
er’s kingdom—a willingness to do all in our power 
to aid the heralds of the cross in proclaiming the 
glad tidings of salvation ; and while the field is the 
world, let each one choose in what part of that 
field he willlabour. “ The harvest truly is plen- 
teous,” and the labourers are yet so very few, that 
none need interfere with another’s work. 


When I say that the missionary spirit must 
exist wherever the Church flourishes, it is because 
I verily believe that such a spirit is the best evi- 
dence of the power of religion on the heart. He 
who has tasted the rich blessings of pardoning 
grace and redeeming love, will feel an ardent wish 
to spread it in the world. TI believe, too, that the 
spirit of missions is the true spirit of the Gospel— 
that spirit which disposed our Divine Redeemer, 
the first Great Missionary, to come down to this 
our earth to “ proclaim liberty to the captives, and 
the opening of the prison to them that are bound;” 
that spirit which prompted the apostles of Curist 
to go forth, bearing the light of the everlasting 
Gospel to nations who “ sat in darkness and in the 


15 


region and shadow of death;” that spirit which 
animated Martyn, and Middleton, and Heber to 
sacrifice the attachments of home and kindred, 
and not to count their lives dear unto themselves, 
that they might carry the blessed tidings into 
heathen lands; that spirit, which burned in the 
hearts of those Christian missionaries, who first 
crossed the broad Atlantic, under the patronage 
of our mother Church, in order to make these soli- 
tary places glad for them, and this western wil- 
derness to rejoice and blossom as the rose. May 
this spirit grow daily more and more active! May 
it continue to burn bright and free! May it never 
be quenched, until “the earth shall be fud/ of the 
knowledge of the Lorp, and in every place incense 
shall be offered unto his name, and a pure offer- 
ing;” until “all the kingdoms of the world shall 
become the kingdoms of our Lorp and of his 
Curist, and he shall reign for ever and ever.” 


3. The next subject, among the benevolent 
institutions of the age, which claims the active 
and vigorous support of churchmen, is Theolo- 
gical education. 


‘Surely I need not press the importance of 
Theological learning on this enlightened assem- 
bly ; it would be an affront to your understand- 


16 

ings to suppose, for a moment, that you did not 
fully appreciate its value. Other qualifications, 
it is true, besides learning, are all-important ; for 
without piety, and humility, and charity, know- 
ledge only puffeth wp; but unless the Christian 
minister is himself well taught in the word, he 
cannot profitably minister to others in all good 
things. Much less can he successfully defend 
the great truths of religion against the heretic 
and infidel. Nor will mere human learning be 
considered an unimportant auxiliary to the minis- 
ter of Curist, when it is remembered that Moses 
was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, 
and that Paul was brought up at the feet of 
Gamaliel. 


As the means of qualifying our pious young 
men for the high and responsible duties of the 
clerical profession, our General 'Theological Semi- 
nary claims our united and vigorous support. 
Nor can we hope to see it flourish as it ought, 
until a more general and lively interest is felt in 
its concerns. Let churchmen but rouse themselves 
to a sense of its importance—let them feel it their 
solemn duty not only to obtain the funds for 
educating young men, but to bring forward and 
encourage young men who are willing to be edu- 
cated, and we shall soon see this nursery of reli- 


BT 


gion and learning sending forth annually many 
“burning and shining lights,” which will shed 
their bright beams over the walls of our Zion, and 
enlighten and gladden the hearts of her children. 


4. Another most efficient means of promoting 
the prosperity of the Church, and one to which 
all churchmen should gladly give their aid, is, the 
Protestant Episcopal Press, and, as connected 
with it, our Bible and Prayer Book and Tract 
Societies. 


This, in fact, is the mighty machine which is to 
give efficiency to all the other benevolent institu- 
tions of the Church. By means of this, our Sun- 
day Schools are to be supplied with elementary 
books of instruction, and suitable books for their 
libraries ; by this, our missionaries are to be fur- 
nished with Bibles, and Prayer-Books, and Tracts, 
to scatter over the moral wastes, to enlighten 
and cheer the emigrant in the loneliness of his 
dreary solitude. By this, too, our Theological 
Students are to be supplied with the necessary 
books of instruction—the libraries of our country 
parishes, and of most of our clergymen, are to be 
furnished with all that is truly valuable in Theo- 
logy, and at an expense which brings them within 
the means of almost the poorest person in our 

3 


18 


communion. Already have we seen the beneficial 
effects of this institution, in the number, elegance, 
and excellence of the works which it has sent 
forth the past year; and these first fruits do in- 
deed give promise of a rich, an abundant harvest. 


These, brethren, are among the most important 
Benevolent Institutions, by the encouragement 
and support of which, the welfare of the Church 
is to be advanced. 


III. Her good is also to be sought—her pros- 
perity promoted—by a firm adherence to her 
distinctive principles. 


Experience has, we think, abundantly shown 
that the interests of true religion are best ad- 
vanced, when each denomination of Christians 
manages its own religious concerns in its own 
way; at least it seems perfectly evident that 
whenever the Church, in the spirit of concilia- 
tion, has surrendered any of her distinctive princi- 
ples, she has always been the loser. Convinced, 
as we are, of the importance of those principles, 
we feel it a solemn duty to enforce and defend 
them on all proper occasions, “with boldness, yet 
in love,” and with a suitable respect for the honest 
opinions and feelings of those who differ from us. 


19 


The time was, when those who fearlessly and 
firmly maintained what are commonly termed 
High Church notions, were denounced as enemies 
of evangelical zeal, and as holding sentiments 
incompatible with evangelical preaching; but 
that time, Gop be praised, has now gone by. 


To convince any unprejudiced mind that a firm, 
undeviating adherence to our distinctive princi- 
ples is consistent with the most enlarged and libe- 
ral charity, with an ardent love for the gospel of 
Curist, and a burning, an unquenchable zeal for 
spreading it in the world, we have only to point 
to him “whose praise ts in all the Churches,” 
the incomparable Hever. And whoever doubts 
that an uncompromising maintenance of such 
principles is compatible with the most fervent 
piety, with the most animated, earnest, evangeli- 
cal preaching, need but be reminded of our own 
lamented Ravenscrorr——And, Oh! that I am 
compelled to add a name, even dearer than these 
—one whose memory is embalmed in our hearts, 
and for whose death our tears have not yet ceased 
to flow—our revered, our much-loved Diocesan ! 
in defence of principles which we deem correct, 
we may feel proud to be associated with such 
names! Oh! that our faith, and humility, and 
zeal, might equal theirs! Oh! that we might be 


20 
permitted to sit at the feet of such men to learn 
wisdom! ‘You will pardon me, my brethren, if I 
seem to press this subject with too much earnest- 
ness; but tome it appears to bea matter of the very 
first importance, that all our religious operations be 
confined within the pale of our own Church—not 
for narrow party purposes, but as the best means 
of promoting the glory of Gop and the salvation of 
men. Systems of amalgamation may be more 
agreeable to the spirit of other denominations, and 
they may well encourage them, for of them such 
sacrifices of principle are not required ; but for us, 
one plain, unvarying course is to be pursued—to 
build up the walls of our own Zion in strength 
and beauty—to avoid those who would “weaken 
our hands from the work,”—and to reject the un- 
seasonable interference of those who would, under 
pretence of assisting, only serve to retard its pro- 
gress ;—who come to us and say, as did the adver- 
saries of Judah of old, “ Let ws build with you ; 
for we seek your Gop as ye do.” Our Temple 
needs no foreign aid. Let it rise on its own 
foundation, for better it cannot have— the foun- 
dation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Curist 
himself being the chief corner stone.” Let it rise 
in its simple strength and beauty, until all who 
behold it shall say, “The hill of Zion is a fair 
place, the joy of the whole earth. Beautiful for 


21 


situation is Mount Zion: Gop is known in her 
palaces for a sure refuge!” But I stop not to 
dwell longer on these subjects, interesting as 
they are—I must hasten to one, always import- 
ant, but now rendered immeasurably more so 
by that late most awfully solemn and afflicting 
dispensation which has filled our Church with 
mourning.—It was proposed, as the fourth head 
of my discourse, and as the means of promoting 
the prosperity of our Zion— 


IV. That there be wnity and harmony among 
her members. 


Brethren! there never was a period in the his- 
tory of the Church in this diocese, when there 
was more urgent need of pressing on our hearts 
this all-important truth! And Oh! from my 
inmost soul do I now utter the fervent ejaculation 
of the Psalmist, ‘“‘ Peace be within thy walls, and 
prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren 
and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be 
within thee.” Differences of opinion there will be, 
there must be, even among those who anxiously 
aim, with singleness of heart, to promote the pros- 
perity of the Church; but these ought not surely 
to interfere with “that most excellent gift of 
Charity, which is the very bond of peace and of 


Pipa 


all virtues.” ‘Let brotherly love continue!” 
Let harmony and peace be preserved among our- 
selves, and our spiritual “ Jerusalem will not 
only be asacity at unity in itself,” but “no wea- 
pon formed against her can prosper.” She has 
already attained a lofty eminence; she is more 
prosperous and flourishing than her most ardent 
friends could have anticipated but a few years 
ago. 


And here I may be permitted to digress a little, 
if, indeed, it can be called a digression, to speak of 
onE who, under Gop, has been the favoured in- 
strument of raising the Church in this State to her 
present elevated rank. he time, the place, the 
occasion, these msignia of woe,* this large assem- 
bly, gathered from every part of this extensive 
diocese, all remind me that something more is due 
—that something more will be expected, than a 
mere passing notice, to the memory of our beloved, 
revered, and ever to be lamented Father. Would 
to Gop that I could do ample justice to the mem- 
ory of the deceased; butI shall not attempt a full 
delineation of his character. Whoever does this 
should be gifted with talents as peculiar, and with 
a mind vast and comprehensive as his own. But 


“The church was hung in mourning. 


23 


as the Head of this extensive and flourishing dio- 
cese—as one who has done more than any other 
individual to promote its greatness and prosperity 
—as one every way entitled to the distinguishing 
appellation of Grear—he surely merits this public 
expression of our gratitude, our veneration, and 
our love. I would give utterance to my own 
feelings, and express, imperfectly and feebly ex- 


press, what I doubt not are the feelings of all who 
hear me. 


He was an extraordinary man!—His vast and 
comprehensive mind was cast in no common 
mould. We cannot, indeed, contemplate his cha- 
racter with that clear, unclouded vision with which 
after generations shall regard it; but we trust 
that the future historian will do ample justice to 
his memory. His exalted talents, his illustrious 
virtues, would have enlightened and adorned any 
age or country. Long, very long, shall America 
mourn the loss of one of her brightest luminaries ; 
and Zion shall weep the death of one of her 
favourite sons. 


Without attempting to delineate his character, 
I may be permitted to touch briefly on some of its 
most striking traits: and I would notice parti- 
cularly, his uncommon sagacity and foresight— 


24 

his open and manly defence of what he deemed 
correct principles—his uncompromising fearless- 
ness—his unshrinking firmness—his unwearied 
assiduity in the cause in which he laboured—his 
urbanity and kindness—his ardent, unostenta- 
tious piety. ‘Time will not permit me to give 
more thana hasty glance at each of these, although 
they would admit of very great enlargement. 


1. Ms uncommon sagacity and foresight was 
perhaps the most striking trait in his character. 
The conclusions which others arrived at by pa- 
tient thought, and laborious investigation, his 
quick and penetrating mind seized upon at once. 
He seemed to discern, at a single glance, the con- 
sequences and effects of every scheme, whether 
proposed by himself, or originating with others. 
He saw, as if by intuition, what must necessarily 
be the result of this or that course; and immedi- 
ately, and without hesitation, took his stand ac- 
cordingly. While a mind, less quick in its percep- 
tions, would be hesitating and balancing probabi- 
lities, his plans were laid, matured, and in full 
operation. An ordinary intellect, not being able 
to look forward as far as he did, would be startled 
at the boldness of some of his measures, but sel- 
dom was it found that he had erred in judgment. 
‘Time almost invariably brought about the results 


25 
which, with an almost prophetic spirit, he had 
anticipated. 


2. Another distinguishing trait in his character 
was /is open and manly defence of what he 
deemed correct principles. Those who knew 
him at all, must know that no man was more 
frank and candid than he. There was with 
him no cunning sophistry, no vain quibbling, 
no mean equivocation. He always spoke out, 
and to the point. Without condemning the 
motives of those who differed from him, or 
unworthily suspecting their sincerity, he hesitated 
not to advance his own deliberate convictions, 
with the utmost freedom; for it seems to have 
been a ruling principle with him always to use 
great plainness of speech. Those who most 
powerfully opposed his opinions or his plans, if 
they possessed one particle of his liberal spirit, 
were ready to acknowledge that they had an 
antagonist to deal with, fair, noble, and magnani- 
mous—one who would use no concealed weapons 
—who would aim no secret thrusts at private 
character—who would avail himself of no un- 
worthy means to gain a victory. His noble and 
generous mind scorned all such petty arts. He 
had adopted principles which he conscientiously 
believed were agreeable to the word of Gop, and 

4 


26 

he thought it unnecessary to use any concealment 
in advancing and maintaining them. He saw his 
own way clear, and he meant to pursue a right 
onward course. He had put his hand to the 
work—a work which he deemed, and justly deem- 
ed, of eternal importance—and he meant to do it, 
and he did do it, “ openly as in the day.” 

3. His uncompromising fearlessness Was as 
conspicuous as his frankness and candour. When 
fully persuaded that the cause he espoused 
was a just one—that the measures he advo- 
cated were best calculated to advance the inter- 
ests of pure and undefiled religion, the glory of 
Gop, and the salvation of souls—he “ opened his 
mouth boldly, and spake as he ought to speak.” 
Had he done otherwise, he might have gained 
more popular favour ; but principle, unwavering 
principle, was all-powerful with him: and no one, 
who has marked his course, will ever say that he 
sought the applause of men; he looked for ap- 
probation to a higher power. 


4. To uncompromising fearlessness, he added 
unshrinking firmness. In all cases, where he 
considered it necessary to take a decided stand, 
he was not easily intimidated ; nor could he 
be driven from his ground by scoffs, nor re- 


ait 

proaches, nor threats, nor even “the madness 
of the people.” The most cruel calumnies were 
often circulated against him, the most virulent 
abuse was often poured upon him: but he 
Stood firm; for he remembered that even Paul 
was called a “babbler,” and “a setter forth of 
Strange gods ;” and that a greater than Paul was 
denounced as “a glutton and a wine-bibber, a 
friend of publicans and sinners.” ‘Those arrows 
which had fallen harmless at his feet, his enemies 
would gather up, and shoot them again: but they 
made no impression on his well-tried armour; for 
he had taken “the breast-plate of righteousness, 
and the shield of faith, wherewith he was able to 
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” But he 
has no enemies now! Every feeling, except of 
love and veneration, is buried in the grave. All 
hearts delight to do him reverence, and every pen 
is employed in eulogizing his virtues. Through- 
out the whole of this vast republic, among Chris- 
tians of every name, there is one universal burst 
of sorrow, “a grievous mourning, a great and 
very sore lamentation.” 


5. Of his wuwearied assiduity in the cause in 
which he laboured, I need say but little. He was 
never idle. Whatever, or whenever, occasion, 
connected with professional duties, called for his 


28 

exertions, he was ready to apply all the energies 
of body and mind to the work. Difhiculties never 
appeared to him insurmountable ; labours never 
seemed too arduous, where the interests of reli- 
gion were concerned. ‘Lo him literally belonged, 
and that “ daily, the care of all the churches.” He 
was never from his post. ‘The journals of each 
convention bear ample testimony to his untiring 
industry and zeal. Wherever duty called, there 
he was to be found, in whatever part of his ex- 
tensive diocese it might be. And when the sum- 
mons came to “ give an account of his steward- 
ship,” it found him faithfully and actively employ- 
ed in discharging its high and holy duties. He 
died, as a Christian soldier would wish to die, 
“fighting the good fight of faith,” not with wea- 
pons of carnal warfare, but with “ the sword of 
the Spirrr, which is the Word of Gop.” 


6. His urbanity and kindness were among the 
most conspicuous traits (and they were most 
lovely traits) of his excellent character. No 
person who had ever been in his society, but must 
admit (and it is no small praise) that he was a 
perfect Christian gentleman ; open, generous, 
kind-hearted, affable to all; his animated and 
instructive conversation rendered him the life 
and delight of the social circle. 'To the clergy 


29 


of his diocese he was more than affable, as all 
who hear me can testify. He was a kind and 
affectionate father; and they repaid his affection 
with the duty and gratitude of sons. With the 
varied talents which he possessed, he could 
accommodate himself to the capacities and 
feelings of the highest and the lowest; he could 
please alike the philosopher and the child. But 
would you know the pure simplicity of his cha- 
racter, and discern all those lovely traits, which 
so endeared him to his friends, you must have 
seen him (as most of you doubtless have) as I 
have often done, in his own fire-side circle, with 
his happy family around him. It was there that 
the hospitable, warm-hearted friend, the kind 
husband, the fond father, were exhibited in all 
their perfection. 


7. His ardent wnostentatious piety is the last 
trait in his character which I shall notice, and it 
is that which gave perfection to all the others. 
Of this he has left abundant and gratifying evi- 
dence by the whole tenor of his exemplary and 
consistent life, and by a happy and triumphant 
death. Never, to all human appearance, did a 
Christian minister more faithfully “ study to ap- 
prove himself unto Gop.” None ever laboured 
more earnestly and zealously, and with greater 


30 

singleness of purpose, to promote the diffusion of 
Christianity, in connexion with that Church 
which he conscientiously believed to be the purest 
and the best. For this sacred cause he was will- 
ing to spend and be spent. ‘T'o its advancement 
he bent all the energies of his mighty mind, and 
sacrificed his ease, his comfort, and eventually 
his life. He has now, we doubt not, gone to 
render a good account of the talents committed 
to his trust, and to receive the reward of those 
“who turn many to righteousness.” 


I have thus very briefly, and I am conscious 
how imperfectly, touched upon some of the many 
excellencies of that distinguished individual 
whose loss we deplore. Of the Church in this 
diocese he was emphatically tue Heap; direct- 
in and governing, as the head ought, the move- 
ments of the various members; for all had the 
fullest confidence in his superior wisdom and 
discretion, and cheerfully submitted to his mild 
control. Hence that union and harmony for 
which this Church has been so long distin- 
guished, (long may it maintain the proud dis- 
tinction!) and which, by Gop’s blessing, has 
raised her to her present elevated rank. Surely 
I need not ask this assembly, what system 
of measures has contributed, under Gop, to 


31 

render the Church, in this state, flourishing and 
prosperous beyond any former period? With 
whom did those measures originate? and. who 
pressed them with the greatest energy and zeal? 
Who stood first and foremost in the good cause, 
ready to give his time, his talents, and to sacri- 
fice his life, if need required? Who did, alas! 
sacrifice that valuable life, for the advancement 
of true religion, and, inseparably connected with 
it, the welfare and prosperity of our beloved Zion ? 
You can all answer these inquiries. 


It is now less than twenty years since our la- 
mented Bishop was called to the episcopate; and 
in that time, we may say, without a metaphor, 
“Ca little one has become a thousand, and a small 
one a strong nation.” In May, 1811, in the con- 
vention which elected him, there were only 
twenty-six clergymen in the whole diocese en- 
titled to seats, and twenty-four of those attended. 
At our last annual convention it was reported 
that there were in this state one hundred and 
thirty-three clergymen, and one hundred and 
sixty-five congregations. Need I ask, then, what 
system of measures has contributed to this won- 
derful increase? Was it any half-way, tempo- 
rizing, amalgamating policy, which our respected 
Diocesan pursued? Far, very far from it!— 


oe 

Hear his own fearless declaration on this point: 
“Could send my voice,” he says, ‘“ into every part 
of our Zion, I would send with it the holy watch- 
word, THe Cuurcu in her faith, her ministry, her 
order, her worship, in all her great distinctive 
principles—maintain her at all hazards. For 
amidst the agitations and tumults of error and 
enthusiasm, she is the asylum of the wise and 
good; amidst the conflicts of heresy and schism, 
she is the safeguard of the truth as it is in Jesus, 
of all that he and his apostles ordained to ad- 
vance the salvation of a lost world.”* 


Gop grant that these words may never be for- 
gotten! that these principles may never be lost 
sight of! The harmony and prosperity of this 
great diocese is a triumphant example that this 
is the true policy to be pursued; that fair and 
open dealing, unwavering firmness, undeviating 
adherence to what we conscientiously believe are 
sound principles, sanctioned by the word of Gop, 
is the true expediency. “'Truth is mighty and 
will prevail.” Only let her not be disguised nor 
disfigured; let her fair form be exhibited in all 
its just proportions, without addition, or mutila- 
tion, or concealment; then Truth must prevail. 


* Sermon at the consecration of Bishop Onderdonk. 


33 


“Though an host of men should encamp against 
her, yet would not her heart be afraid; and 


though there rose up war against her, yet would 
she be confident !” 


These, my brethren, we humbly conceive, are 
the true methods by which the borders of our 
Zion are to be enlarged, her prosperity promoted, 
her stability secured, Let her ministers be zeal- 
ous and faithful in their labours; let her mem- 
bers unite in supporting, within their own com- 
munion, those benevolent institutions which are 
the glory and blessing of the present age; let 
them adhere firmly to the distinctive principles 
of the Church; let them cultivate and maintain 
harmony among themselves; let them unfold the 
broad banner of the cross, and let there be 
inscribed upon its ample folds, in letters of living 
light, EvaneEetican 'Trura—Aposroitic OrpER.* 
Let this be the holy watch-word ; and who can 
tell how rapid will be the progress of our beloved 
Zion? Who shall presume to assign limits to her 
extent? She has no limits but the boundary of. 
man’s habitation. She must spread far and wide, 
until the splendid vision of the prophet shall be 


*“ My banner is, EvanereticaL Truta—Apostotic Orper.’’—Bishop 
Horarvr’s Apology, p. 272. 
D 


34 
fully realized; when, “from the rising to the 
setting sun, Gov’s name shall be great among 
the Gentiles ; and, in every place, incense shall be 
offered unto his name, and a pure offering?” 
This time must come; “the way of the Lorp 
shall be known upon earth, and his saving health 
among all nations;” it is even now hastening 
onward, and it should be esteemed our greatest 
happiness, our most invaluable privilege, that 
we are permitted to contribute to its advance- 


ment. 


But whatever we do we must do quickly ; our 
time is short! With what a fearful emphasis has 
this truth been recently proclaimed in our ears ! 
It is a tremendous summons! It speaks “ like 
angels trumpet-tongued,” calling upon every man 
living, “ Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as 
ye think not the Son of Man cometh.” We, my 
brethren of the ministry—Oh! we have had many 
solemn warnings given us. Death has made some 
fearful breaches in our little number, since we 
last met together! We look in vain for several 
“burning and shining lights,” on which we then so 
fondly gazed!* We look in vain for him, who was 


* Since the meeting of the Convention in October, 1829, the following cler- 
gymen, then among its members, have died:—Rt. Rev. Bp. Hopant; Rev, 
William Harris, D. D., President of Columbia College, New-York ; Rev. Isaac 


35 


our father, counsellor and friend! Alas! we shall 
see his faceno more! Oh could the sound of that 
loved voice be again heard, as it has been often 
heard, within these sacred walls, how fervently 
would it breathe forth the sentiment of our text, 
‘For my brethren and companions’ sakes I will 
now say Peace be within thee!” But beng dead 
he yet speaketh! Listen to the voice which comes 
from the tomb, and which he now sends into our 
hearts !—“Be ye all of one mind!” “ Let brotherly 
love continue !” 


© thou Bountiful Giver of all good things, 
“pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of 
a" charity, which is the very bond of peace and of 
all virtues ;” “ that so our only strife may be, who 
shall show forth with most humble and_ holy 
fervour, the praises of Him who hath loved us, 
and made us kings and priests unto Gop.” Grant 
this our humble petition, O merciful Lorp, for 
the sake of Jesus Curist, our Mediator and Re- 


deemer. AMEN. 


Wilkins, D. D., Rector of St. Peter’s Church, Westchester; Rev. Daniel 
M’Donald, D. D., Professor in Geneva College ; Rev. John Sellon ; Rev. William 
Thompson, Rector of Christ Church, Rye; and the Rev, Edmund D. Griffin, 
Deacon, supplying the place of the absent Professor of Rhetoric and Belles 
Lettres in Columbia College. 


L. 


Norse.—After Bishop Hozarr had made his appointments for visiting the % 
Parishes in the western part of the State, he was induced to change his arrange- 
iments in consequence of receiving a letter from the Rev. Dr. Rudd, of Auburn, i 
Antimating that some very good, reasons existed for an episcopal visit at that q 
place, where, according to the common rule, he need not have been. By a 4 


alteration in his appointments was the Bishop thrown into the family of his old 
friend, for his last sickness. The Bishop remarked this, in some of his last days, 
43 a mercy of that wise Providence to whom he most humbly resigned himself 


